Breeding and Cultivation Management of Begonias
Today, the editor will introduce some knowledge about growing begonias at home, including breeding and cultivation management. Let's get started with the introduction.
Begonias are a large family of ornamental flowers, with over 1100 species, originally from Brazil in South America and mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, with the highest number in South America. There are over 200 cultivated varieties, and about 90 species in China, including 13 in Hainan Province. Due to their beautiful appearance, vibrant colors, and seasonal blooms, begonias are an excellent choice for decorating indoor spaces such as meeting rooms, restaurants, exhibition halls, and hotels.
I. Types of Begonias
The diverse begonias can be divided into several categories based on their ornamental and growth characteristics: (1) Rhizomatous types, such as the evergreen begonia (also known as glassy begonia or clam flesh begonia); (2) Root-stem types, such as the frog leaf begonia, lotus leaf begonia, and colorful leaf begonia; (3) Fibrous-root types, such as the silver star begonia and bamboo joint begonia; (4) Tuberous types, such as the tuberous begonia, a favorite in horticulture.
Begonias are mostly not cold-resistant, preferring warm and humid environments and avoiding direct sunlight.
II. Propagation Methods
Begonias can be propagated through sexual (seed) and asexual (division, cutting) methods. Due to the tiny size of begonia seeds, extra care is needed when播种 them. Currently, cutting and division are the main methods used in production. Division and cutting are done in September (cutting in summer is not recommended due to high humidity and heat, which can cause the branches to rot and result in a low survival rate). Select healthy terminal branches about 15 cm long with 2-3 buds for cutting. The suitable temperature for cutting is between 10-25°C. Roots will start to grow 2-3 weeks after cutting, and the plants can be transplanted into pots after one month. It takes about 4-5 months from cutting to flowering.
III. Key Points for Cultivation Management
Since begonias have tender stems and leaves, they should not be kept in the shade for too long. Prolonged rainy weather or excessive watering can cause the soil to become waterlogged, leading to plant rot and death. Over-fertilization or too strong fertilizers can also cause death, so caution is advised in management. Begonias prefer warm and humid environments. In autumn and winter, water should be applied twice a day, morning and evening, to keep the soil moist. Measures should be taken in advance to prevent cold waves in low-temperature weather or when a cold front is approaching.
Begonias have many branches and can be trimmed as needed to achieve the desired perfect shape.
IV. Medicinal and Edible Value of Begonias
Begonias are not only loved for their ever-lasting, vibrant flowers and colorful, various leaves but also for their medicinal and edible value. For example: (1) Evergreen begonia and bamboo joint begonia can be used as medicine, with a slightly bitter taste and cool nature, clearing heat and promoting diuresis, and are effective in treating colds and reducing swelling and pain. They can also be used externally to treat traumatic injuries and boils. People in Brazil often use begonias as a fever-reducing and diuretic medicine. (2) Europeans, such as the French, use begonia leaves in soups or cooked with fish, which is delicious. (3) Red-veined Malabar spinach (also known as Malabar spinach begonia) is used as medicine in the Dinh Lake area of Zhaoqing City, Guangdong Province, known for its heat-clearing, detoxifying, blood-activating, cough-relieving, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, digesting, stomach-aiding, and hangover-relieving effects, and is highly favored by people.
The above introduction to the breeding and cultivation management of begonias is provided for your enjoyment!